Egypt Independent

Red Sea’s coral reefs are in serious trouble: Environmental NGO

The HEPCA (Hurghada Environmental Protection & Conservation Association) NGO warned on Sunday that coral reefs in Hurghada, Red Sea are in serious danger as a result of fishing with explosives and throwing waste in the sea, according to a recent statement.

The statement added that coral reefs are some of the richest natural habitats provide shelter for many marine organisms. They are also an economic treasure thanks to their major role in encouraging tourism.

The HEPCA said it has taken strict measures to protect coral reefs, such as the establishment of the largest project for moorings, cleaning reefs of solid waste, and prosecuting violators.

The HEPCA posted videos on its Facebook page warning against practices that harm coral reefs and of all the important measures taken to preserve them.

Egypt’s coral reefs are found mainly along the coasts of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba, where more than a thousand different fish species live among 250 kinds of coral.

Red Sea reefs are cited as among the richest in the world for overall species diversity. Coral reef degradation has increased dramatically during the last three decades, particularly along the Egyptian Red Sea coast due to man-made disturbances such as global warming and other stressors, according to a study from the Benha University.